Normally this is the time of year when the San Dimas High School track is filled with runners, jumpers, and the sound of spikes and yelling of split times. But this season, changes to the track have left our school’s track team without its usual space, forcing runners, jumpers, and throwers to adjust their preseason prep, as the start of the season approaches.

Typically this time of the year, the track team is lining up on the oval, but this year its a little different. Athletes have now been training on campus pathways, nearby streets, and other alternative practice areas. While not having the track available is challenging, it has also allowed for athletes to adapt to new situations. For many athletes preseason workouts now focus more on conditioning, strength and mental preparation rather than event-specific drills that they would normally do.

Diego Dominguez, a hurdler for San Dimas, shared that the situation has surprisingly been somewhat positive for his preparation. Saying, “It hasn’t affected my prep,” and has “made it better because it creates the opportunity to run long distances, preparing myself for the season.” Without access to the track, Dominguez has spent more time building endurance, which can help benefit with hurdles especially once season starts.

Dominguez also claims that the track is closed due to necesary improvement, which will overall help performance. “it’s getting reconstruction because it’s not in the best quality,” he explained. Over time, the wear and tear on track can hurt the surface and leveling of it completely. This makes for less-than-ideal conditions when competing on it. While the reconstruction will hopefully lead to better conditions in the future, the timing has forced the track team to adjust right before the season begins.

For hurdlers, the adjustment can be especially frustrating, and “horrible,” Dominguez said, when asked how it feels not being able to practice for hurdling specifically. Hurdles rely heavily on specific spacing and rhythmic running with precise technique, all of which are difficult to replicate without proper equipment. However, Dominguez has noted that the situation is not a drastic change due to there not being a hurdle coach to help practice.

Athletes outside of track also have also been affected due to the track renovations. The basketball team, who used to run on the track for conditioning practice, has now had to condition in the gym. Varsity player Angelo Fares says, “it hasnt affected” him that much because with season now in full swing they “just condition in the gym rather than the track” although would still “prefer” the track on a nice day.

Despite the obstacles, the San Dimas track team continues to prepare for this upcoming season. Although this preseason is different than most, this reconstruction will hopefully allow athletes to be hopeful for the new track in hopes of it being ready soon, allowing them to fully apply their skills on a brand new track.